Methylxanthines

A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.

Methylxanthines act as bronchodilators by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and helps the constricted airways to dilate. The exact mechanism of action with regards to methylxanthine causing bronchodilatation is not well understood but it appears that methylxanthines inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which degrades cyclic AMP, so methylxanthines tend to increase the concentration of cyclic AMP.

Methylxanthines are bronchodilators used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).